Derby College apprentice named regional Gatsby T Level Student of the Year
A Derby College Group (DCG) apprentice, who completed his Construction T Level at the College and is now training with one of the UK's leading construction groups, has been named the regional winner of the Gatsby T Level Student of the Year award at the National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2026.
Pictured: Eugene Gbenedio, Teacher of CAD and BIM at Derby College (left), with Daniel Burgin
Daniel Burgin completed his Construction T Level at Derby College before securing an apprenticeship with Bowmer and Kirkland, the Derbyshire headquartered construction group. He is still studying at Derby College as part of his apprenticeship, combining his work with the company with his learning at the College.
His regional success means Daniel now goes forward to the national stage of the awards, where he will be recognised alongside the very best T Level students from across England.
Eugene Gbenedio, Teacher of CAD and BIM at Derby College, said: “Daniel is a fantastic example of where a T Level can take you. In class he shows real commitment, curiosity and attention to detail, and he brings those same qualities to his apprenticeship with Bowmer and Kirkland.
“Winning this regional award is a credit to the hard work Daniel has put in, both at the College and in the workplace. Everyone at Derby College is incredibly proud of him, and we wish him the very best of luck at the national stage.”
About the award
The National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards are the government's flagship awards for the skills sector, recognising and rewarding exceptional apprentices, T Level students, skills champions and employers across England. Last year the awards marked their 22nd anniversary and attracted more than 1,100 entries from sectors including construction, health, IT, science and digital.
The Gatsby T Level Student of the Year award is for T Level students who demonstrate exceptional personal qualities and achievements through their industry placement. Judges look for the contribution and impact a student has made to the business, examples of where they have exceeded expectations, and their personal achievements and motivations. Last year's national winner was chosen from more than 25,000 T Level students across the country.
The award is sponsored by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation, established by Lord Sainsbury, which has long championed high quality technical education. Lord Sainsbury chaired the independent review of technical education that led to the creation of T Levels.
There is a further local connection to the awards. In 2025, Bowmer and Kirkland, which employs around 2,000 people, won the national Gatsby T Level Employer of the Year award for its T Level programme, making Daniel's success a fitting follow up for both the company and the College.
About T Levels
T Levels are two year technical courses for 16 to 19 year olds, equivalent to three A Levels. Designed with leading businesses and employers, they combine classroom learning with a substantial industry placement, giving students the knowledge, skills and real workplace experience they need to move into skilled employment, an apprenticeship or higher study.
Derby College Group works closely with employers across the region to give students the practical skills, industry experience and clear progression routes that lead to careers like Daniel's.
More details of Professional Construction Courses: Professional Construction courses at DCG - DCG
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